Everyone who performs, whether they're musicians, comedians, actors or public speakers will, at some time or another, deal with stage fright. Feelings of fear and anxiety, often characterized by shaking hands, a trembling voice, a dry mouth, damp palms, quavering legs or other signs of nervousness can overtake a performer for many reasons.
Whether it's because being on stage is new, it's a particularly important performance or whether stage fright is just another manifestation of the person's general lack of self confidence or tendency to worry, stage fright should be acknowledged and overcome if one wants to perform regularly.
Conquer Stage Fright Through Mastery
There is no substitute for routine practice. Regardless of one's art or sport, regular practice will not only boost one's skills, it will increase one's confidence. Stage fright can emerge out of the worry that one has not prepared effectively or thoroughly. It can also be brought on by the sense that others who are watching are judging as one performs.
Going over one's jokes or speech or scales or poems every day and especially intently prior to performing will provide one with that extra self-esteem. This way, in case of equipment failures, poor reactions, an unexpectedly large or small crowd or other unanticipated problems, one will be able to ride over the situation with grace instead of falling apart.
Overcome Stage Fright Through Perspective
Many performers are perfectionists. They cannot stand the thought that they're not performing accurately or up to speed all the time. However, while aiming for perfection is key, over-analyzing oneself on stage can only lead to a surge in stage fright. Try to enter the moment, rise above human weaknesses such as doubt and flow with the words or sounds. Remember that the crowd will likely not be pulling the performer to pieces in their heads, but will be looking to enjoy the show or the lecture. Flaws that seem immense to the performer are often extremely minor to the audience.
Further, if the event turns out poorly, as happens for even the most brilliant artists and speakers, remind oneself that this isn't disastrous. Most people won't notice, many will have enjoyed it anyway and in the rare situation that the performance is a complete bomb, it's only one such event. It will pass away in people's memories over time and it is highly unlikely that it will ruin one's reputation or dismantle one's career.
Putting performances in perspective helps one keep one's balance in the public eye.
Rise Above Stage Fright Through Memory
Remembering the other times one performed and how they unfolded can help in overcoming stage fright. Usually the first five minutes is the most difficult part of the performance. More often than not by the end of the first song or the initial page of the speech, one has calmed down and is better able to focus and perform well. Remind oneself that it is really just the beginning of the performance one has to endure and that after this, all is usually well. Thus incorporating a joke, a quote or a solid intro at the commencement of one's performance can help to ease stage fright with the sense of a supportive ritual.
Breathe deeply. Remember to maintain posture and not flail one's hands around. Maintain eye contact. Recall that everyone is afraid to perform and that most of the audience members are not able to do so. They admire the performer and want him to overcome his stage fright in order to create what they have come to see and hear.
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